Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever
Liam Neeson, an actor whose career spans decades, has battled superheroes, trained Jedi, led revolutions, and chased down kidnappers with his "particular set of skills." From drama to action to rom-coms, Neeson's versatility is showcased in his diverse filmography. He's set to star in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, slated for release on August 1, 2025. But what are Liam Neeson's best films of all time? We've narrowed down his impressive catalog to the 10 best movie roles that highlight his range as an actor, from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and masters of the Force.
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what's next for this legendary actor.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
11 Images
10. Love Actually (2003)
Liam Neeson shines as part of the ensemble cast in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed rom-com, Love Actually. His role as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate a budding romance adds a tender and heartfelt touch to the film. While Neeson is often known for his intense and gruff characters, his warmth in this movie is a standout.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace remains a highlight of the prequel trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon's commanding presence anchors the film and adds gravitas to the Jedi's struggle. Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series delighted fans, offering one last glimpse of the wise Jedi Master.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's performance as the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several acting awards. Playing a key figure in Ireland's struggle for independence, Neeson brings magnetic intensity and passion to the role, cementing his place in a trilogy of impactful historical dramas alongside Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film also features strong performances from Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson delivers a powerful supporting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit who renounces his faith under torture. This reflective and contemplative film, a passion project for Scorsese spanning 25 years, showcases Neeson's ability to convey complex emotional depths. Co-starring Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield, Silence is a profound exploration of faith and resilience.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is both intelligent and obsessive, earning him critical acclaim. Directed by Bill Condon, this biographical drama delves into Kinsey's groundbreaking research on human sexuality, challenging the conservative norms of his time. Neeson's compelling performance is supported by a talented cast, including Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, mentoring Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the formidable Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds depth and complexity to the film, contributing significantly to the reinvention of the Batman saga. Neeson's portrayal is crucial in launching the Dark Knight Trilogy with both grace and gravitas.
4. Darkman (1990)
Liam Neeson's role in Sam Raimi's Darkman showcases his ability to embody a vengeful and disfigured superhero. As a scientist seeking justice through disguise and violence, Neeson delivers a thrilling performance that blends horror with high-stakes adventure. This film marks a significant transition for Raimi, bridging his Evil Dead roots with a new genre.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Despite being somewhat overshadowed by Braveheart, Liam Neeson's performance in Rob Roy is nothing short of phenomenal. Playing the titular Scottish clan chief, Neeson's portrayal is fueled by fury and fervor, delivering a compelling character study alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, who received an Oscar nomination for his role.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken marks a career-defining moment for Liam Neeson, propelling him into the realm of action heroes. This tightly plotted thriller showcases Neeson's intensity and drive as he embarks on a mission to rescue his daughter. The film's iconic phone call scene and gripping narrative cemented Neeson's status as a leading man in action cinema, despite the less successful sequels that followed.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List is his crowning achievement. Earning him an Oscar nomination, Neeson's performance captures the transformation of a German industrialist from a Nazi party member to a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. This masterpiece won Best Picture and showcased Neeson's ability to convey profound emotional depth.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects include the highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other upcoming films include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and a sequel to Run All Night. Stay tuned for more details on these exciting projects.
Liam Neeson Movie List
Here is a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in order of release date:
- Christiana (1981)
- Excalibur (1981)
- Krull (1983)
- The Bounty (1984)
- Lamb (1985)
- The Innocent (1985)
- The Mission (1986)
- Duet for One (1986)
- Suspect (1987)
- A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
- Satisfaction (1988)
- High Spirits (1988)
- The Dead Pool (1988)
- The Good Mother (1988)
- Next of Kin (1989)
- Darkman (1990)
- The Big Man (1990)
- Under Suspicion (1991)
- Shining Through (1992)
- Husbands and Wives (1992)
- Leap of Faith (1992)
- Ethan Frome (1993)
- Ruby Cairo (1993)
- Schindler's List (1993)
- Nell (1994)
- Rob Roy (1995)
- Before and After (1996)
- Michael Collins (1996)
- Everest (1998)
- Les Misérables (1998)
- Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
- The Haunting (1999)
- Gun Shy (2000)
- The Endurance (2000)
- K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- Star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Love Actually (2003)
- Coral Reef Adventure (2003)
- Kinsey (2004)
- Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- Home (2006)
- Seraphim Falls (2007)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
- The Other Man (2008)
- Taken (2008)
- Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
- Ponyo (2009)
- After.Life (2009)
- Chloe (2009)
- Clash of the Titans (2010)
- The A-Team (2010)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
- The Next Three Days (2010)
- The Wildest Dream (2010)
- Unknown (2011)
- The Grey (2012)
- Wrath of the Titans (2012)
- Battleship (2012)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Taken 2 (2012)
- Third Person (2013)
- Khumba (2013)
- Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)
- The Nut Job (2014)
- The Lego Movie (2014)
- The Prophet (2014)
- Non-Stop (2014)
- A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
- A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
- Love Thy Nature (2014)
- Road (2014)
- Taken 3 (2014)
- Run All Night (2015)
- Ted 2 (2015)
- A Christmas Star (2015)
- Operation Chromite (2016)
- A Monster Calls (2016)
- Silence (2016)
- The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017)
- Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (2017)
- Daddy's Home 2 (2017)
- The Commuter (2018)
- The Last Horsemen of New York (2018)
- The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
- Widows (2018)
- Cold Pursuit (2019)
- Men in Black: International (2019)
- Ordinary Love (2019)
- Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- Made in Italy (2020)
- Honest Thief (2020)
- The Hunter (2020)
- The Marksman (2021)
- The Ice Road (2021)
- Blacklight (2022)
- Memory (2022)
- Marlowe (2022)
- Retribution (2023)
- In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)
- Wildcat (2023)
- Absolution (2024)
- The Naked Gun (Releasing 2025)
- Cold Storage (TBD)
- Hotel Tehran (TBD)
- 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank (TBD)
- The Mongoose (TBD)
- Charlie Johnson in the Flames (TBD)
- The Riker's Ghost (TBD)
- Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky (TBD)
And that's our selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Or are you waiting for a man with a "particular set of skills" to come knocking? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For more movie lists, explore our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
Latest Articles
